Events

Registration required (adults)
Let’s kick off this season’s wild edible programs with the basics of plant identification. Learn just what plant taxonomy is and why you should practice it. Weather and plants permitting, this program will include a hike.

Bring your own shotgun and your favorite hunting load for pattering your shotgun.

Students will participate in activities related to Turkey Hunting. Activities will include shotgun shooting, Turkey calling and hunting techniques, and archery. For more information call 660-885-6981

Walk-in (ages 2+)
Join us for story hour as we lead you on fantastic nature adventures! We will meet birds, mammals and all sorts of magnificent creatures! We will cross rivers, discover mysteries within the forest and fly across the prairies. Our imaginations are the only limits.

Walk-in (all ages) Join us for a celebration of nature as seen through the eyes of area students. View student artwork portraying nature in their different neighborhoods, talk with some of the artists then stick around for the awards ceremony at 6:30 p.m.

Walk-in (all ages)
Visitors to Burr Oak Woods Conservation Nature Center will have the opportunity to select a seedling (short leaf pine or tulip poplar) to plant in celebration of Missouri Arbor Day. One tree per family or group is available while supplies last.

Registration required (adults) Experience the health and wellness benefits of Shinrin-Yoku, the Japanese practice of experiencing the forest and its health benefits. Commonly know as "forest bathing," this health practice has been growing since the 1980's in Japan and more recently in the U.S. Forest bathing is the immersion into nature by slowing down and being mindful experiencing all of one's senses and the interconnection with natural environment. This relaxing walk around the Discovery Center grounds is approximately 2.5 hrs. and is being offered by Michael Beezhold, certified forest therapy guide. For more information on the practice visit https://www.natureandforesttherapy.org or read the recent article in the February 2019 Missouri Conservationist: Good Medicine from the Great Outdoors. This program will take place rain or shine so wear appropriate clothing, bring a cushion, mat or small tripod stool to sit on and water.

Walk-in (all ages) Cluck, Purr, GOBBLE! The wild turkey is our largest native bird and the sounds of tom turkeys gobbling is a sure sign of spring. Join us as we learn about the history of turkey populations in Missouri and the work that has been done to restore their populations. Bring your turkey calls and learn how to use them with some expert callers. Learn about hunting methods and safety precautions that will help you in the turkey woods. Children can make some turkey art using real turkey feathers.

Walk-in (ages 3-8; all welcome) Join volunteer naturalists for a fantastic journey through forests, streams and other magical places as they read select books. Children will participate in a hands-on nature activity.

Registration required on-line for youngster only (ages 3–5 with an adult)
We all know the bald eagle but what about Missouri’s other raptors? Hawks are smaller than eagles but play a much larger role in the food web. Join us to learn about the fascinating hawks that call Missouri home. Dress to be outside for hawk hike.